In a late-night operation, joint forces raided the residence of a local Awami League leader in the Bengura area of Boalkhali upazila, arresting two brothers and seizing a significant cache of firearms and weapon-making equipment.
The arrestees have been identified as Saiful Islam (56) and Salahuddin Rumi (51), sons of the late Abul Bashar. According to local sources, the duo are the brothers of Belal Hossain, the President of Saruatali Union Awami League and a former Union Parishad Chairman. The raid was conducted at his residence where the brothers were staying.
The Operation
Acting on intelligence provided by the 48 Air Defense Regiment of the Bangladesh Army, a specialized team from the Boalkhali Army Camp launched the drive at midnight on Friday.
Upon sensing the presence of the security forces, the suspects reportedly attempted to escape by jumping into a nearby pond but were quickly apprehended by the joint forces. A subsequent search of the premises led to the recovery of:
- 4 foreign shotguns
- 2 foreign pistols
- 13 rounds of ammunition
- Large quantities of weapon-making tools and materials
Criminal Background
In a press briefing, the Camp Commander, Major Md. Russel Prodhan, stated that both individuals have extensive criminal records. Salahuddin Rumi is named in at least six cases, including firearms-related offenses, while Saiful Islam faces four similar cases.
“The suspects have been involved in various terrorist activities and were operating an illegal trade of manufacturing and selling firearms for a long time,” said Major Md. Russel Prodhan.
Legal Action
Following the recovery, the joint forces handed the suspects over to the Boalkhali Police Station. OC Mahfuzur Rahman confirmed that the suspects were produced before a Chattogram court on Saturday, which subsequently ordered them to be sent to jail.
The recovery of foreign weapons and manufacturing tools from a political leader’s house has sparked significant concern regarding local security as law enforcement continues to investigate the wider network involved in this arms trade.
